FR

Barrels

For every combination of product features, barrels made by Tonnellerie du Sud-Ouest are available in the following sizes: 225, 228, 265, 300, 350, 400, 500, and 600 liters. Stave thicknesses come in 22 (not including Acacia), 27, 38, and 41 mm.


In addition to our product line, Tonnellerie du Sud-Ouest produces barrels to order. Starting with the pallet for aging the merrain, every barrel has a code to track its temperatures and toasting times. This information guarantees repeatability and is precious input at tasting time.




-         Classic:

Barrels made of merrains from fine-grained French oak (other grains on request) from forests in Centre France or Vosges or a mix of the two, matured for 24 months. Their toastings are adjusted to the requirements of the wine they will age: L / L+ / M / M+ / H. Available in Transport, Transport Allégée, Château Ferré, Bordelaise, and Tradition finishes.






-         Albigeoise:

Like Classique, Albigeoise is made of merrains from forests in Centre France or Vosges or a mix of the two, from very tight grain, matured for a minimum of 36 months. Albigeoise is particularly suitable for patient maturing of red wines, through a special toasting process: “Beta” toasting.





 


-         W:

Designed exclusively for white wines, W’s merrains have the same characteristics as Albigeoise. Its toasting, called “120,” was developed to work the mid palate through slow extraction of the tannins while fully respecting the wine.

 






-         Vent d’Autan:

Vent d’Autan is made of merrains, matured for 36 months, exclusively from one of France’s most prestigious forests (Fontainebleau, Jupilles, Tronçais, Darney, Loches, and others). A suitable toasting process applies to each of these forests and enhances typicality. For whichever stave thickness and volume chosen, Vent d’Autan is available in the “Château” finish.


For 20 years, Tonnellerie du Sud-Ouest has been a recognized name in vineyards around the world because of the quality and repeatability of our acacia barrels that are especially good for maturing all varietals of white wines. Our wood is sourced exclusively from French forests, for their soil and biotope.


Unlike oak, acacia doesn’t have the concept of grain. It is sawed rather than split. Acacia is a dominant essence often dotted with cats pow or small knots that are perfectly healthy and don’t change the quality of the barrels in any way.


The toasting process for acacia is completely different from the toasting process for oak. It can range from L to F and is designed to control the volume to tensile strength ratio.


In addition to a light coloration, acacia barrels provide the structure, aromatic complexity (white flowers, honey), minerality, and much elegance to both dry and sweet white wines, late harvests, ice wines, and also liquors like gin and grappa, and the finish to some rums. Research and testing by TSO on the entire range of white varietals show that 400, 500, and 600-liter barrels provide the best balance.


-         Acacia Classic:

Made of merrains dried for a minimum of 24 months, for stronger minerality and roundness.

 








-         A By TSO:

Made of merrains matured for a minimum of 36 months and may be toasted according to two processes:


·      “120” toast, for white wines, for complexity and tannin elegance.


·      “180” toast, developed recently to magnify rosé wines, adds volume without marking the wines.


- Alliance F is made from a French oak shell (merrains matured for 24 months) with untoasted American oak bottoms (matured for 36 months). Accounting for 75%, the French oak imparts elegance through complex toasting. Correctly matured, the American oak will favor quick extraction.


- Alliance A is made from an American oak shell and untoasted French oak bottoms. Accounting for 75%, the American oak imparts power with notes of coco and vanilla that sublimate the French oak.


Both Alliance A and Alliance F are made of merrains in thicknesses of 27 or 34 mm and in sizes from 225 to 500 liters.